Laszlo Lantos

In loving memory of Laszlo Lantos, 89. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family on May 30th, 2025, in Gladstone, Oregon.

Laszlo was born in Budapest Hungary on September 17th, 1935, to Magdolna and Reszo Lantos.

Laszlo was in the Hungarian military when the Hungarian revolution arose on October 23rd, 1956. He followed with many others who had escaped the country to Austria. After 3 months at a refugee camp Laszlo and his wife, Ilona immigrated to the Unites States. Within a few years he was drafted by the US Army. By the time he completed his honorable term he had relocated from Chicago, Illinois with his wife to Los Angeles, California. Eventually settling in Gladstone, Oregon till he passed.

Laszlo enjoyed his work as a mechanical engineer. He was very fond of creating anything that utilized the mind and coming up with ideas to implement new avenues. He loved spending hours just sitting and mentally figuring out how to make sure what he was about to create had sound structure or if there was a better way to make it work. Whether it was at work or at home his mind was always moving.

After partial retirement, he took a 3 day a week job (he wasn’t one to keep still) with joy at St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Portland. He said he enjoyed the projects, people and being close to his Catholic faith. In his spare time Laszlo enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also loved his at home side projects – they were never ending, and he could always come up with more. He loved learning and dabbling in new avenues of education, especially on home projects. He could fix anything; electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and woodworking. He very much loved his rose gardens and anything that grew fruit. He loved to be outdoors in nature. To top it off Laszlo loved to bake! He was amazing at making Hungarian desserts, mostly pastries. And last but not least, Laszlo loved to travel. Every summer (while the children were young) he would take his family on an extended vacation somewhere new across America so that they would experience many of the historical landmarks, parks and sights. Before moving to Oregon, Laszlo purchased a Volvo station wagon in Sweden (which was kept until his passing) and took his family of 5 on a 2-month journey across many European countries.

Laszlo will be sorely missed by his lovely wife, Ilona; children, Laszlo Jr., Margit (Margi) and her husband, Kevin, and Erika; grandchildren, Tesla and Emma; as well as many other family and friends.

We loved his beautiful smile, his amazing heart, his wonderful humor and most intriguing conversation pieces that made you come away wanting more. His stories and laughter always left a smile on your heart and joy in your soul. He loved life and it showed in his journey. Laszlo wholeheartedly cared for humanity, enjoyed talking to anyone who crossed his path and treated everyone he met with the most beautiful warmth of love. Rest in peace dear Laszlo.

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 11th, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Reception Hall. If desired, please join the family for a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. or Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. prior to the celebration. Private Interment with full Military Honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.